Something to bark (and meow) about

Looks are not everything. Or so I have heard it said.But how often have we judged — things, people, animals — based on their looks?

Yet in the world of animals, looks never matter.

I should know. It never matters to any of my doggie companions who share a room with me what I look like or what my breath smells like when I wake up in the morning.

And then there is the strange cuteness that comes with the way pets look. For me, when it comes to pets, I guess it is their hearts that I see first — looks don’t matter.

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Recently, Miss Ellie, the former World’s Ugliest Dog, died at 17 years old. The small, bug-eyed Chinese Crested Hairless dog whose pimples and lolling tongue helped her win Animal Planet’s “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest in 2009, passed away in Colorado.

Miss Ellie only had a couple of back teeth, cataracts in both of her eyes, several moles and pimples, and limited hair.

Miss Ellie was able to raise more than $100,000 for the Humane Society.

I remember seeing the wire story here at the STAR office and then wondering why Miss Ellie was considered “ugly.”

I thought she was kinda cute, in a funny way.

Miss Ellie was rescued in Tennessee by Dawn Goehring.

Dawn lavished so much love and care on her that she even brought her to her wedding — dressed in a rival white dress and veil.

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At the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) shelter, Minerva, the shelter’s “ugliest” dog, was also adopted recently.

“Minerva or Mimi, as we fondly call her, has finally found a home,” said Anna Cabrera, PAWS program director. “She was adopted by Marc Daubenbuechel, a handsome German.”

Anna said that Marc was so excited about adopting Minerva and Joey that he immediately sent an e-mail to Anna to show her just how the two doggies were doing in Marc’s home.

Anna told me that as soon as PAWS volunteer Armi Jorvina showed Minerva to Marc— and gave him a short history about what she’d been through, and the training that Minerva had received, Marc was in love.

“Minerva is the loveliest dog I have ever seen,” Marc said. “I want to take her home.”

Marc adopted not just Minerva, he also took in Joey, another shelter dog.

“Marc is a true animal lover,” said Anna. “He assured us that both Mimi and Joey will have a comfortable life in his home, which has a huge yard. But both Joey and Minerva will be indoor dogs, of course.”

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Carlee, the dog that was rescued from a sewer a while back, was also adopted recently. Carlee was adopted last June 7 by Maripaz Montano and sisters Roxanne, Christina and Ysabella. The lola is Pilar Gonzales.

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If you are looking for a pet, why not consider adoption? Here are some of the doggies that are up for adoption at the PAWS shelter.

 NINJA — Now, this is a fellow who knows how to sneak into your heart! He’s the type who wants to have his precious person focus on him alone, but his lovable antics and energetic ways are more than enough for one family.

 BENCH — You’d think a dog with this name would like lounging on chairs, but PAWS volunteers actually found him in the middle of a busy flyover. Today, no one would imagine that this active, affectionate and intelligent lad was once a dog who couldn’t even move away from cars because of heat and malnourishment.

 JOHN — John loves the simple things in life — walks, baths, a treat or two. He was run over and rescued from the slums. 

MAKISIG —Makisig barely escaped being butchered, along with 49 others. But it seems like everyone else has already been adopted, and he’s still at the shelter.

 PARVATI — When Parvati and her sister Padma were rescued from becoming an item on a menu, she decided that humans are bad. But once she realized no one was going to put a skewer through her throat anymore, the real Parvati shone. She graduated as one of the best in her obedience training class — edging her way to the top with her quick grace and smart moves.

SAVANANAH — Savannah was found to have a tumor on her foot that was as big as a small basketball. At first, Savannah was aloof to PAWS volunteers and visitors. No longer: she has opened up and started playing again. She is one of the smartest graduates of the K9 Enrichment Team’s obedience training.

 TWIGGY — Twiggy was found by PAWS rescuers at the height of Ondoy. She was dehydrated and running a fever. It was a miracle that she survived without food and water for three days.

 ABBIE — Loves yarn balls and warm, afternoon cuddles.

APPLE — Perfect snuggle companion who loves chasing cat toys and cat treats, too.

DIEGO — He loves lounging on the floor and wooden benches, too.

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You can reach the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelter at 475-1688.